The Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Anim-Yeboah, has inaugurated an ultra-modern Circuit Court at Atasemanso in the Nhyiaeso Sub-Metro District Council of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.
The Chief Justice stated in his inaugural address that the Circuit Court’s establishment fulfils the Judiciary Service’s strategic aim to increase citizens’ access to high-quality justice by placing courts nearby the people.
He commended the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, and the Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund for providing regular funding support for the project.
The Mayor of Kumasi, Mr Sam Pyne, said the inauguration was a result of the collective effort of the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, the District Assembly Common Fund Secretariat and the Judicial Service.
He said it was an unprecedented initiative which is aimed at addressing the problem of inadequate court infrastructure across the country, of which the people of Atasemanso and the Metropolis were beneficiaries.
Mr Pyne applauded the government’s responsiveness to the Judiciary’s vision of ensuring equal and affordable access to quality justice as well as enhancing public confidence in the justice delivery and court administration system.
The Atasemansohene, Nana Owusu Barima III, expressed appreciation to the Chief Justice and the government for the fast development of the criminal justice system at Atasemanso and its surrounding towns.
He said the Atasemanso community has an existing Police Station which enforces laws and maintains public order and the establishment of the Circuit Court will take care of the original jurisdiction in all criminal matters in the community except treasonable offences punishable by death.
Nana Owusu Barima III said as a show of appreciation, his office would be opened to all members of staff employed by the court who may need assistance as new-comers to Atasemanso for any discussion, adding that his town has a friendly environment where everyone will love to be a part of the community.
Also present at the ceremony were members of the Metro Security Council (METSEC), Supervising High Court Judges, the Judiciary, Assembly members, heads of departments at KMA, the clergy and the media.
Edem Agblevor, ISD
